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Lead Poisioning(Part 8) - Prevention
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Source: SCCPHD
Simple things that you can do to prevent childhood lead poisoning
Keep your home as clean and free from
dust as possible
The best way to clean up lead dust is to regularly wet mop your
floors, wipe window ledges, and wash all surfaces with water and household
detergent.
Take off your shoes before entering
the house
Or make sure they are wiped well on a doormat outside the house.
This will help prevent lead dust and soil from getting into the house.
Change out of work clothes
And take a shower before coming home if you work with lead at
your job. Lead dust brought home on the clothes of workers can spread in
the house and poison children.
Lead is used in many workplaces such as radiator repair shops, battery manufacturing
plants and lead smelters.
Never sand, burn or scrape paint
Unless you know that it does not contain lead.
Test painted surfaces for lead
In any area that you plan to remodel, before you begin the work.
If lead is in the paint, learn how to handle the paint safely. If the work
is not done the right way, lead dust can scatter and poison your family,
pets, neighbors and workers.
Encourage healthy eating habits
Eating regular and healthy meals may make it harder for lead to hurt your
child. Meals should include fruits and vegetables as well as calcium-rich
foods (milk, cheese, yogurt, corn tortillas, tofu or bean curd) and iron-rich
foods (meat, chicken, iron-fortified cereals, raisins, and dried fruit).
Wash childrenīs hands often,
Especially before eating.
Do not use older, imported or handmade
dishes
For serving, preparing or storing food or drink unless you know that they
do not contain lead. (For more information on testing for lead in dishes,
call your local health department.)
Avoid hobbies that use lead
Hobbies that use lead include soldering, or making stained glass, bullets,
or fishing sinkers.
Keep furniture away from damaged paint
Do not place cribs, playpens, beds or high chairs next to areas where paint
is chipping or peeling, or can be chewed.
Do not use home remedies or cosmetics
that contain lead
Like Azarcon, Greta, Pay-loo-ah, and Alkohl or Kohl. These remedies often
contain a lot of lead and can make children very sick.
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